Computing

Developing confident digital learners

Technology is an important part of everyday life, communication, learning and preparation for adulthood.

At Newman, pupils follow one of four curriculum pathways – Engage, Discovery, Develop and Deepen – enabling Computing to be taught at a level that is meaningful, accessible and appropriately challenging for each learner.

Pupils may begin by experiencing the sensory aspects of technology and simple cause and effect. As their knowledge develops, they learn to identify and use different devices and software, communicate digitally, find and manage information, understand programming and make increasingly informed choices about technology.

Throughout their learning, pupils develop their understanding of how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.

Our Three Computing Strands

Information Technology

Pupils learn that technology is all around us and develop their understanding of how different technologies can be used.

Depending upon their pathway and stage of learning, pupils have opportunities to develop skills including word processing, data handling, presentations, digital photography, video, animation, sound and other forms of digital content.

As pupils progress, they develop greater independence in selecting appropriate software, gathering and managing information and presenting their work.

Computer Science

Computer Science develops pupils’ ability to understand instructions, sequences and how technology can be programmed.

Learning can begin with sensory cause-and-effect activities and programmable toys before progressing to algorithms, programming and computational thinking.

Pupils develop their ability to follow and create sequences, predict outcomes and identify and correct errors. As appropriate, they also develop an understanding of computer systems, networks and the internet.

Digital Literacy

Digital Literacy helps pupils understand and participate in the digital world around them.

Pupils develop skills in using digital devices, finding and communicating information and understanding different forms of online communication.

As pupils become increasingly independent users of technology, they also learn to consider the reliability of information, understand their digital identity and recognise how their behaviour can affect themselves and others online.

Learning Through Our Pathways

Engage
Pupils experience the sensory aspects of Computer Science, Information Technology, Digital Literacy and e-safety. They explore powered devices, different forms of digital communication and cause-and-effect technology.

Discovery
Pupils begin to identify different technologies, programs and types of data. They explore the internet, technological equipment and different ways in which technology can be used safely.

Develop
Pupils develop their knowledge of different technologies and how they can be used to communicate, create and manage information. They build their understanding of staying safe online and use technology with increasing purpose.

Deepen
Pupils develop greater independence in selecting and using appropriate technologies. They deepen their understanding of software and online information and learn how to protect themselves and their personal information when using technology.

Staying Safe Online

Safe • Responsible • Respectful

E-safety runs throughout Newman’s Computing curriculum.

Learning develops progressively from understanding personal belongings, choices and trusted adults through to online communication, personal information, privacy, social media, cyberbullying and online identity.

As appropriate to their pathway and age, pupils learn about:

• personal information and privacy;
• passwords and security;
• appropriate online communication;
• kindness and respectful behaviour;
• online bullying;
• social media;
• reliable and unreliable information;
• digital identity;
• privacy and security settings;
• recognising online risks; and
• where and how to seek help.

By Post-16, the curriculum has a particularly practical focus on helping pupils understand online choices, social media, privacy, security and how technology can support them as adults.

Computing Across Newman

A progressive curriculum from EYFS to Post-16

Computing is taught progressively across Newman.

In EYFS, pupils experience technology through areas including toys and objects, photographs and images, sounds and music, alongside early e-safety learning.

Across KS1 and KS2, pupils develop their understanding through Information Technology, Computer Science and Digital Literacy. Learning includes areas such as technology around us, digital painting and photography, digital text, data handling, algorithms, programming and digital music.

At KS3 and KS4, pupils build upon these foundations through programming, digital content creation, search and information skills, communication, data, computer systems and networks. E-safety develops alongside this learning to include social media, privacy, security, online identity and recognising reliable information.

At KS5, Computing has a strong focus on skills for adulthood, including safe use of social media, accessing online information and support, completing online forms, managing privacy and security, and using technology to support accessibility.

Preparation for Adulthood

Digital skills for life

Newman’s Computing curriculum is designed to help pupils develop skills that can be used beyond school.

As pupils progress, they learn how technology can support communication, accessibility, study and everyday tasks. They develop an understanding of how to access information and support online and how to protect their privacy and identity.

For older pupils, this includes practical experience of areas such as completing online forms, managing security settings, identifying reliable sources of information and using technological devices to support accessibility.

The aim is for pupils to leave Newman with the greatest possible confidence and independence in using technology safely and effectively in adult life.

Preparation for Adulthood

Literacy for everyday life

Reading and writing are important skills for participation in adult life.

Developing literacy can help pupils to understand information, communicate with others, make choices and access opportunities with greater independence.

From recognising important words and symbols to reading instructions, completing information and communicating in writing, literacy has practical applications throughout everyday life.

Our approach therefore connects reading and writing with Newman’s wider commitment to Preparation for Adulthood, helping pupils develop skills that can support them beyond school.